Rustic Pallet Wood Trunk
by
Sean Walker
(IC: vlogger)
3 Materials
$75
8
Easy
This rustic trunk was made out of some 1x4 pallet lumber that I picked up from a local farmer. The whole box except the top are 3/4" in thickness, with the top being 7/8" in thickness. To fasten the trunk sides together I used old fashioned fine cut nails that I dipped in vinegar to give a rustic appearance. I also dipped the hardware in the vinegar to add a little patina as well.
For the finish, I went with a nice semi-gloss polyurethane.
For the finish, I went with a nice semi-gloss polyurethane.
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If you want to watch how I made the trunk, check the video out above. If you want to see some awesome step by step pics, keep going!
Before we begin, here's a rough part list for you if you want to build along.
With the side panels cut to length, I edge joint each side and glue them up to make the panels.
With the panels glued up, I did a mock up of where the parts go to get an idea of how it's going to look. The trunk is huge, but looks awesome!
To join the panels to make the box, I nailed the sides to the front and back panels using BT&C fine cut nails.
On each of the 4 box corners I attached 2 corner brackets (one at the top and one at the bottom). They came painted a flat black from the store so I used my random orbit sander and 220 grit sandpaper to remove the paint. I then dipped them in the vinegar to once again form some rust on the surface of the brackets.
I cut rabbets along the bottom of the side and front/back panels for the bottom panel to sit in.
As you can see, there's now a groove for the bottom panel to sit in. If you don't want your bottom panel to be inset, you can always just nail it to the bottom edges of the trunk box.
With the trunk box and bottom put together, I lightly sand the surface with 180 grit sandpaper. The goal here is to NOT sand away the rough appearance of the wood as that's what makes it look "rustic".
I installed 6 little blocks on the bottom inside of the box to hold the secret compartment lid.
With everything built, I applied 2 coats of spar urethane with a brush.
And finally, I made and attached 2 leather handles to assist in lifting the trunk.
Enjoyed the project?
Suggested materials:
- 1x4 Pallet lumber (Local farmer)
- Fine finish cut nails (http://www.toolsforworkingwood.com)
- Corner brackets (Amazon)
Published December 1st, 2016 8:40 PM
Comments
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2 of 28 comments
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Susan Schueler on Jan 27, 2017I love it. I recently make a bench with a back on it for my porch. I love it. Just love pallets. You did a great job!
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Lyn33482010 on May 30, 2018
I love working with pallet. This is one of the best ideas ive seen yet. Thank you for sharing.
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